Travis Head is targeting a strong start to the Sheffield Shield to push his Ashes case.Source: AP

SOUTH Australian skipper Travis Head will make his Ashes case against an all-Test NSW bowling attack in the first of three crucial Sheffield Shield fixtures.

Australian selector Mark Waugh has named Head in a group of batting allrounders vying for the Test No.6 spot with Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright.

While he hasn’t set the world alight in Australia’s limited-overs tour of India, Head will get a major opportunity to press his claims in a day-night match against NSW from October 27 at Adelaide Oval.

The Redbacks’ clash with the Blues will pit Head against Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, the attack likely to face England from November 23 at the Gabba.

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Australia's Travis Head averaged 23.80 in the ODI series against India.Source: AP

Stoinis has looked solid at No.6 in the 50-over format. Maxwell and Cartwright struggled and were dropped during the ODI series.

Head said selectors had been open about how crucial Shield runs would be leading up to the Ashes.

“I knew coming here that if I got runs, I would sort of move a bit closer to that and at least put my hand up,” Head said in Hyderabad.

“I haven’t been able to do that so it probably makes the next three Shield games more important to put my case forward.”